Work Tool Angle Control for Excavators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators of work machines, such as excavators, face challenges in maintaining the correct angle of the work tool during various tasks due to uneven terrain, requiring constant adjustments to prevent material spillage and optimize digging or dumping operations, which can be time-consuming and fatiguing.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that automatically identify the design surface gradient, determine the work tool angle, and vary it based on the machine's movement and distance from the gradient, using sensors and a control module to adjust the work tool's position and angle dynamically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the operator manually controls the bucket angle during machine swing operations, then the load can be prevented from spilling, but the operator must slow the swing rate and make constant adjustments, reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the bucket angle control to be self-regulating by using sensors to detect the actual bucket angle and automatically adjusting the hydraulic cylinder actuator to maintain the desired angle, eliminating the need for constant manual adjustments during swing operations
Solution Approach 2:
The control system implements closed-loop feedback by continuously monitoring the bucket angle via sensors and comparing it to the desired angle, then automatically adjusting the hydraulic actuator to correct any deviations, ensuring load retention while maintaining optimal swing speed
2Manufacturing precision
If the operator constantly adjusts the bucket angle to maintain correct positioning during digging operations, then digging precision can be maintained, but the operator becomes fatigued and operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system makes the bucket angle control self-regulating by automatically detecting the actual angle through sensors and adjusting the hydraulic actuator accordingly, freeing the operator from constant manual adjustments and reducing fatigue while maintaining digging precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical angle adjustment with an automated electronic control system that uses sensors to detect bucket angle and electronically controls the hydraulic actuator, substituting operator physical effort with automated mechanical control
3Reliability
If a simple tilt sensor system is used to maintain a set work tool angle, then the angle can be maintained with respect to the earth, but the system cannot vary the angle based on the task being performed
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static angle maintenance to dynamic angle control by allowing the desired bucket angle to vary based on the detected work task, with the control system automatically adjusting the target angle according to whether the machine is digging, dumping, or transporting material
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed to perform multiple functions by automatically identifying different work tasks and adjusting the bucket angle accordingly, enabling a single system to handle various operations such as digging at optimal angles, dumping with level bucket, and transporting with adjusted angle to prevent spillage
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling a work tool with respect to a design surface gradient identifies surface gradient and determines a desired angle for the work tool. Movement of the machine is monitored and the distance between the design surface gradient and the work tool is determined. The angle of the work tool is varied based on one or more of these parameters.